which wheels do you like better for snow, option 1 or 2?

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by marcx5

what is the downside to buying aftermarket rims instead of paying nearly $1000 more for OEM??

Replicas are slightly heavy but otherwise just fine. They are mostly made in Italy. I have used them for 2 winters and no issues. Several on E53 forum have them.
Here's one by LW&T: http://www.lakeshorewheelandtire.com...-catalog.shtml

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by marcx5

sorry, i had the pictures flipped, argh, but just corrected the original post.

what is the downside to buying aftermarket rims instead of paying nearly $1000 more for OEM??

Depending on the manufacturer, quality... alloy used, fit, finish, weight.

[Wagner]

You can get OEM replicas (which are generally very good) for far less.

Some links to OEM and reps:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-X...ayphotohosting

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/19-9-...spagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/20-9-...spagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/19x9-...spagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/20-9-...spagenameZWDVW

[marcx5]

Originally Posted by Too Many Toys

Don't forget the OEM winter tire setup. I ended up paying $700/corner, $2,800 total for this setup. A bit more but OEM quality, OEM sensors, roundels, etc.

Just worth consideration, IMO.

hmmm, those are nice looking wheels also.

i thought the x5 used abs/wheel spin to determine tire pressure loss.... i didn't realize they were using these sensors. if they have the sensors, why can't they show us the pressure on the screen???

[LeMansX5]

Even 19" with snow tires will be fine, unless you drive in 6" of snow unploughed roads all the time. Its the rubber which makes big difference.
More:
http://stores.ebay.com/Wheels-and-Ca...QQftidZ2QQtZkm

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by marcx5

hmmm, those are nice looking wheels also.

i thought the x5 used abs/wheel spin to determine tire pressure loss.... i didn't realize they were using these sensors. if they have the sensors, why can't they show us the pressure on the screen???

These will be tough to clean and more so in winter. Trust me. Remember the winter wheels are covered with salt and sand most of time, so picture that look mixed with brake dust.

[marcx5]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

These will be tough to clean and more so in winter. Trust me. Remember the winter wheels are covered with salt and sand most of time, so picture that look mixed with brake dust.

agreed, but when it's covered with snow, it just looks 'good and rugged' to me... so i don't care then.... and otherwise i'd hope to give it a wash or spray it off once in awhile... and i just don't like having a cool looking vehicle with ugly wheels for 3 months out of the year... so thought maybe something like this would be more fun.

[drod]

the OZ canyons are very nice..... i've been looking at them myself...

for a winter pkg i would opt for the OEM or replicas listed above... (less expensive, durable, and still looks nice)

the OZ should be your summer gear!

[KEF]

Originally Posted by marcx5

hmmm, those are nice looking wheels also.

i thought the x5 used abs/wheel spin to determine tire pressure loss.... i didn't realize they were using these sensors. if they have the sensors, why can't they show us the pressure on the screen???

marc - the picture in that link is WRONG - those are not the wheels that go with that set-up

[KEF]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

These will be tough to clean and more so in winter. Trust me. Remember the winter wheels are covered with salt and sand most of time, so picture that look mixed with brake dust.

Guys - for the record, the current OEM set-up is style 209 wheels, the ones in this photo are 21" style 239.

Follow this link and look at style 209 for the $2800 winter set up referred to above in this thread:

http://zoouz.free.fr/e70_wh.htm

Cheers,
KEF